Free template · 6 min read
Dog walker client contract template
Plain English. Copy-paste ready. Covers the parts that actually matter: who does what, when, for how much, and what happens when things go wrong.
Why you need this
A signed contract does three things: sets clear expectations, makes your cancellation policy enforceable, and protects you if there's an injury, lost pet, or key incident. Every professional sitter uses one. Many pet parents will actually trust you more for having it.
What to include
- Services & pricing — exact services, duration, frequency, and price.
- Cancellation policy — your 24-hour (or whatever) cutoff and the fee beyond it.
- Payment terms — how you charge, when, and what happens if payment fails.
- Key / access — how you'll access the home, what you'll do with keys.
- Emergency authorization — vet info and your authority to seek care.
- Liability limits — what's covered, what isn't.
- Photos / social media — permission to use pet photos on your business account (keep this opt-in).
- Signatures & date.
The template
Replace the [bracketed] fields with your details.
Pet Care Services Agreement
This agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into on [DATE] between [YOUR BUSINESS NAME], operating at [YOUR ADDRESS] (the “Provider”), and [CLIENT FULL NAME], of [CLIENT ADDRESS] (the “Client”).
1. Services
Provider agrees to perform pet care services for the Client's pet(s), as listed in the attached pet profile. Services may include dog walking, drop-in visits, pet sitting, and overnight stays. Specific visits will be booked via the Provider's scheduling system.
2. Pricing & payment
Client agrees to pay Provider according to the rates in effect at the time of booking. Provider will issue weekly invoices via [YOUR BILLING METHOD — e.g., Stripe card-on-file]. Payment is due upon invoice. Failed payments may be retried up to three times; repeated failures may result in service suspension.
3. Cancellation
Cancellations made at least [24 / 48] hours before a scheduled visit are free. Cancellations with less notice may be charged up to 100% of the scheduled visit fee. Recurring service cancellations require [7] days' notice.
4. Key & access
Client will provide reliable access to the premises via [lockbox code / spare key / smart lock]. Keys in Provider's possession will be stored securely, labeled by code (not address), and returned upon written request or termination.
5. Emergency & veterinary authorization
In the event of illness or injury, Client authorizes Provider to transport the pet to [PRIMARY VET] or the nearest emergency vet and to authorize reasonable treatment up to $[500] without prior approval. Client agrees to reimburse all veterinary costs incurred on their pet's behalf within 7 days.
6. Liability
Provider carries [INSURANCE CARRIER] pet care insurance. Provider's total liability for any single incident is limited to the coverage limits of that policy. Provider is not responsible for pre-existing medical conditions, damage caused by the pet to third-party property, or injuries resulting from the Client's failure to disclose known behavioral issues.
7. Photo & social media consent
Check one: [ ] Client grants Provider permission to post photos of the pet on Provider's business channels. [ ] Client does not consent to photo use beyond private report cards.
8. Term & termination
This Agreement remains in effect until terminated by either party with [7] days' written notice. Open invoices remain payable through termination.
9. Governing law
This Agreement is governed by the laws of [YOUR STATE].
Signed:
_____________________________________ Date: ____________
[CLIENT FULL NAME]
_____________________________________ Date: ____________
[YOUR BUSINESS NAME]
Tip: pair this with a short one-page Pet Profile listing each pet's name, breed, vet, meds, and behavior notes. Update it yearly.